Student Profiles: Tanesha Green-Baker, C'2015

In her own words ...

My name is Tanesha Green-Baker, C'2015, and I hope my experience with the U.S. States Coast Guard will motivate and inspire my Speman sisters to take advantage of opportunities here at the College. I am originally from the Bronx, New York, but I currently live in South Carolina. Coming to Spelman was not the hard part; but coming up with the money to STAY at Spelman proved to be a major challenge for me.

During my sophomore year, my mother was denied the Parent Plus loan. I was devastated and anxious about how I was going to be able to afford the cost of continuing my education at Spelman. Thoughts of being kicked out, going home embarrassed, and proving all the naysayers right, ran through my head. One fortunate day, however, I walked into Upper Manley, and my eyes were drawn to a sign advertising two years of free tuition, a minimum stipend of $2,200 a month, and a three-year active duty obligation through the U.S. Coast Guard. Instantly, I knew my prayers had been answered.

My advice to any student in a situation similar to the one I found myself in during my sophomore year is that if you can serve with the Coast Guard, do it! Not only will you be a part of a group of highly esteemed individuals, you will be able to achieve your educational goals at the same time.